Hey gamers! Running out of storage space on your PS5 or just want to start a game fresh? No problem! Deleting save data on your PS5 is super easy, and I'm here to walk you through it step-by-step. Whether you're clearing out old game saves or starting a new adventure, this guide will help you manage your PS5 storage like a pro. Let's dive in!

Why Delete Save Data?

Before we get started, let's talk about why you might want to delete save data in the first place. One of the most common reasons is to free up storage space. PS5 games can be massive, and their save files can take up a surprising amount of room, especially if you're a completionist with multiple games on the go. Clearing out old or unwanted save data can give you more space for new games and updates.

Another reason is to start a game from scratch. Maybe you made some choices you regret in a story-driven game, or you just want to experience the opening hours again without all your overpowered gear. Deleting your save data lets you do just that, giving you a fresh start.

Sometimes, corrupted save data can cause problems with a game, leading to crashes or glitches. Deleting the corrupted save and starting over can be a quick fix. Whatever your reason, deleting save data is a simple process, and I'm here to show you how it's done.

Method 1: Deleting Save Data from the Settings Menu

The most straightforward way to delete save data on your PS5 is through the settings menu. This method lets you delete save data for individual games, giving you precise control over what gets removed. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the top-right corner and select the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).
2. Select Storage: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select Storage. This will show you a breakdown of your PS5's storage, including how much space is being used by games, media, and other data.
3. Choose Console Storage or Extended Storage: Select either Console Storage (if the save data is on your PS5's internal storage) or Extended Storage (if the save data is on an external hard drive). Most of the time, your save data will be on the console storage unless you've specifically moved it to an external drive.
4. Select Saved Data: In the Storage menu, select Saved Data. This will take you to a list of all the games with saved data on your PS5.
5. Choose PS5 Games: Select PS5 Games to view the save data for your PlayStation 5 games. You might also see an option for PS4 games if you have any save data from PS4 games on your PS5.
6. Select the Game: Find the game whose save data you want to delete and select it. This will show you a list of all the save files for that game.
7. Select Delete: Press the Options button on your controller. This will bring up a menu with several options, including Delete. Select Delete.
8. Choose Save Files: You can now select the specific save files you want to delete. You can choose to delete all save files for the game or just specific ones. Be careful here, as once you delete a save file, it's gone for good (unless you have PlayStation Plus cloud saves enabled).
9. Confirm Deletion: After selecting the save files you want to delete, select Delete again to confirm. The PS5 will then delete the selected save data.

And that's it! You've successfully deleted save data from your PS5 using the settings menu. This method is great for targeting specific games and save files, giving you full control over your storage.

Method 2: Deleting Save Data from the Game's Home Screen

Another way to delete save data is directly from the game's home screen. This method is a bit quicker if you know exactly which game's save data you want to delete. Here’s how:

1. Highlight the Game: From the PS5 home screen, highlight the game whose save data you want to delete. Don't launch the game; just make sure it's selected.
2. Press the Options Button: Press the Options button on your controller. This will bring up a menu with several options, including Delete.
3. Select Delete: In the menu, select Delete. A confirmation screen will appear, warning you that deleting the game will also delete its saved data.
4. Confirm Deletion: Confirm that you want to delete the game and its saved data. Keep in mind that this will uninstall the game as well as delete the save data. If you only want to delete the save data, use Method 1 instead.

This method is useful if you're planning to uninstall the game anyway, as it combines the two actions into one. However, if you want to keep the game installed but delete the save data, stick to Method 1.

Method 3: Using PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage

If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you have access to cloud storage for your save data. This can be a lifesaver if you accidentally delete a save file or want to transfer your save data to another PS5. Here’s how to manage your save data using PlayStation Plus cloud storage:

1. Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the top-right corner and select the Settings icon.
2. Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
3. Select Saved Data (PS5): Choose Saved Data (PS5) to manage your PS5 save data.
4. Select Console Storage: Select Console Storage to view the save data on your PS5's internal storage.
5. Select Upload to Cloud Storage: Choose Upload to Cloud Storage to back up your save data to the cloud. This is a good idea to do regularly, just in case something goes wrong.
6. Select Download to Console Storage: If you've deleted a save file and want to restore it from the cloud, select Download to Console Storage. This will download the save data from the cloud to your PS5.

Using PlayStation Plus cloud storage is a great way to protect your save data and make sure you never lose your progress. Just remember to regularly upload your save data to the cloud to keep it up to date.

A Few Extra Tips

• Back Up Your Saves: Before deleting any save data, consider backing it up to the cloud (if you have PlayStation Plus) or to an external storage device. That way, if you change your mind, you can always restore your save.
• Be Careful: Double-check that you're deleting the correct save data before confirming. Once it's gone, it's gone!
• Manage Your Storage Regularly: Keep an eye on your PS5's storage and delete any unnecessary save data to keep your system running smoothly.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks! Deleting save data on your PS5 is a piece of cake. Whether you're freeing up space, starting a new game, or just keeping your storage organized, these methods will help you manage your save data like a pro. Happy gaming! Don't forget to backup your game saves and be careful!